Disabled Facilities Grants

10C Disabled Facilities Grants Information for people with or affected by motor neurone disease If motor neurone disease (MND) affects your mobility, you may need to make changes to your home. Equipment or building works can make your home more suitable for your needs and help you to continue to live there. These changes are known as adaptations. A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from your local authority may help you to pay for these. This information sheet includes the following sections: 1: What is a Disabled Facilities Grant? 2: What can I use the grant for? 3: How do I apply? 4: What other options do I have? 5: How do I find out more? It is important to note that a DFG can take a long time to be agreed and may not be approved in time to help you. You may have to fund the work yourself or seek funding from charities to make sure adaptations are completed in time. You may also want to consider moving to accommodation that is better suited to your needs. This symbol is used to highlight our other publications. To find out how to access these, see Further information at the end of this sheet. This symbol is used to highlight quotes from other people with or affected by MND. The MND Association has been certified as a producer of reliable health and social care information. www.theinformationstandard.org 1

This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but there may be regional differences. If you live in Scotland, contact MND Scotland for specific advice (see Useful organisations later in this sheet for contact details). There may also be some differences to how DFGs are managed by different councils within England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 1: What is a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)? A DFG is funding from a local authority or council that supports people with disabilities to pay for adaptations to their home. In Northern Ireland, the grants are provided through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The grant can help you to continue living in your home for as long as possible. A DFG is means tested, so your income and expenses will be taken into account. See later heading What is financial assessment? in section 3: How do I apply? If you are awarded a grant, it will not affect any benefits you receive. It is important to note that you are unlikely to get a grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application. Adaptations can range from minor alterations to major home extensions. They can also include the installation of equipment to help you to live more independently and make things easier for your carers. Adaptations can vary depending on the way MND affects you and the level of support you need. If you are thinking about making changes to your home, it is a good idea to get advice from qualified professionals first. For example: an occupational therapist (OT) to assess your physical needs and your home a qualified surveyor or architect to plan and oversee the work (if you apply for a DFG, you can include the cost of their fees) a respected builder a local home improvement agency which can provide advice and practical help on improvements and adaptations. See section 4: What other options do I have? for more information. Am I eligible? Your local authority (or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive if you live in Northern Ireland), should be able to show you their policy for housing and adaptations. This will explain what is available in your area and any rules or conditions that apply. 2

You can apply for a DFG if you or anyone living in your property has disabilities and you are: an owner occupier a private tenant a local authority or housing association tenant a landlord with a tenant who has disabilities planning to live in the property for the next 5 years, or for as long as the person s health permits. How much grant is available? At the time of going to print, the maximum amount that a local authority can pay is: 30000 for England 25000 for Northern Ireland 36000 for Wales If the cost of the proposed works is more expensive, the council may be able to cover part or all of the extra cost in some cases. The council will normally need two written estimates of the cost of the works before deciding whether or not to agree your application. 2: What can I use the grant for? Any changes to your home which help you continue living there may be considered. Adaptations may include: a stair lift widening doors and installing ramps a wash and dry toilet a through floor lift a hoist system providing a heating system suitable to your needs minor adaptations which include items such as stair rails, grab rails and adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use major structural adaptations such as an extension or downstairs bathroom. Most types of installed equipment can be included in a DFG, but the work can take months to be approved and completed. With MND, this could mean the equipment is no longer suitable by the time it is installed. 3

If a grant is agreed, it will cover the costs for the adaptations or equipment as needed, but no more. Your personal preferences will be considered, but not at extra expense. If your preferences add to the cost, you will need to pay the difference. For example, if you prefer more expensive decor, you will need to pay the extra amount. What adaptations do I need? An occupational therapist (OT) can assess your needs and advise which improvements may help. Don t rush into buying equipment without professional advice, as mistakes can be costly. It may also be helpful to talk to other people you may know with MND about what equipment they use and find helpful. However, the OT will have to approve any work that is carried out under a DFG. I think the most important thing is where to get advice and to try meet other people with MND. These are some items that are commonly used by people with MND: Stair lift: this can provide access upstairs when the stairs themselves become difficult to climb. They are fitted to your existing staircase, and curved or straight versions are available. If you are a wheelchair user, you may need two wheelchairs, one at the bottom of the stairs and one at the top, to continue using the stair lift. As your MND progresses, you may no longer be able to transfer in and out of the chair. This means a stair lift may only be useful for a short amount of time. Your local authority may be able to provide a list of local suppliers you can buy or rent a stair lift from, but always take advice from your OT first. Through floor lift: this is more expensive than a stair lift, but will allow you to use one wheelchair for both floors of your home. There is no need to transfer in and out of your wheelchair, so it can be used as your MND progresses. A stair lift is sometimes used as a temporary measure until the through floor lift is installed. Not all homes are suitable for lift installations, as they need a certain amount of space. Wash and dry toilet: this can help you to maintain your personal hygiene after using the toilet. The system washes and blow-dries your bottom and intimate areas while you are still seated on the toilet. Some types will replace your existing toilet, but others can fit over it. The controls are connected to the plumbing and electrical supply. The toilet may only be useful for a short time as transferring on and off can become difficult. Its use can be extended by adding other disability aids, such as frames and rails. Portable hoist: as MND progresses, you may no longer be able to lift and move your body. Hoists make transferring much easier, as there is less lifting and moving done by carers. A portable hoist can be supplied through your OT. 4

Ceiling track hoist: these hoists work in a similar way to the portable hoist, but work using a track in the ceiling and are more expensive than a portable hoist. If you are applying for a DFG, a ceiling track hoist system can be part of the application. Your OT can advise you if a ceiling tracking system would be suitable for your needs. Minor adaptations: smaller items, such as grab rails and bath seats can be supplied by your OT. In most cases, these are not expensive and can be fitted easily. They can be supplied for free if an OT has assessed you and agrees it is needed. Small adaptations can be included in a DFG as part of a larger adaptation. For example, if you have a room converted into a bathroom, you may include items such as grab rails. Major structural adaptations: you can make a DFG application where changes would involve extensive work and could be quite expensive. Some examples are: a downstairs bedroom or bathroom conversion or extension changing a bathroom to a wet room area fitting door ramps widening existing doors for wheelchair access making your garden safe and accessible. 3: How do I apply? Ask your local council for a DFG application form. You can find contact details for your local authority through the internet or a local telephone directory. Your OT can also make an application on your behalf following an assessment of your home. The application will be based on the OT s recommendations and will be forwarded to the local authority. Some OTs may be unfamiliar with MND as it is rare. If you are in touch with an MND Association visitor (AV) it may be helpful for the OT to contact them. Another option is to contact our information and support service MND Connect, who can tell them more about MND which may help with the assessment. The assessment should reflect that your needs will change as your MND progresses. See Further information at the end of this sheet for contact details. The council will usually check that any works are necessary and will be suitable to meet your needs. This would normally be carried out by a qualified OT. They must write to you with a decision within six months of the date of an application. They can refuse your application if they feel the work is not practical or your needs can be met with minor adaptations. If your application is agreed, they must set out the terms in writing. You need to apply separately for any planning permission or building regulations approval. 5

If you are awarded a DFG, you will be assigned a grant s officer who will help to make sure the work is up to standard. You will normally have to use a contractor from the local authority s approved list of builders, who may be expensive (see also later heading What if I pay for the adaptations myself?). Do I need to tell my landlord? You will need your landlord s permission for any adaptations to be carried out so talk to them before you make your application. If you are a council tenant or housing association tenant, your landlord may be able to arrange the work for you without the need for a DFG. Check what is possible with your landlord and your local authority (or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive) before you make your application. Can I get a backdated grant? You must apply for a grant before you start any work. You will not be able to receive a grant for works already completed. If I have already had a DFG, can I apply again? You can only apply for one DFG at a time, but you can include different adaptations in the same application. For example, you may need to convert a room downstairs, widen doorways for access, install a hoist or improve heating systems at the same time. You are allowed to apply for another grant if your needs change. As the grant can take a long time to be agreed, think carefully about your future needs when you make your first application. Your occupational therapist and/or your local authority should also consider the progressive nature of MND when looking at any adaptations you may need. What is a financial assessment? This is the way the council decide how much you need to pay towards the adaptations. They will take into account your age and how many dependents or children you have. It is based on your average weekly household income and your outgoings. The assessment will take into account: your age how many children or dependents you have your wages 6

your benefits any pensions and investments savings over 6000. If you have a partner, their income will also be assessed. The amount you have to pay may be reduced, for example due to your age or how many children or dependents you have. These amounts are set by the government and will not take into account your individual expenses. Based on the financial assessment, the grant may range from zero to the full amount you have requested. If you are offered less than the full amount, you will be responsible for contributing the rest of the cost. If you receive income support, housing benefit, council tax reduction, pension credit or tax credit with a low income, you may not need to pay towards the costs. When Universal Credit is introduced, replacing some of these benefits for people of working age, your right to a DFG will be based on the total amount of income you have. The financial assessment can take a long time, so ask for one as early as possible in the process to find out if you qualify. If you are working, your income will be taken into account. Depending on how much this is, you may not be eligible for a DFG. It is still worth being assessed and advised by an OT so that you know what equipment is right for you. How will it affect my benefits? Being awarded a DFG will not affect your benefits. Some benefits such as Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance are normally not counted in your financial assessment. When will I get the money? The grant is usually paid when the council are satisfied with the work and have received an invoice. An invoice will not be accepted for work carried out by you or a member of your family. Normally, if you or a relative does the work the council will only accept invoices for materials or services you ve bought. In some circumstances, the local authority may pay by instalments as the work progresses. 7

What if I decide to move house after DFG work has been done? If you move within 10 yrs in England or Wales, or 5 years in Northern Ireland, you may be expected to repay some or all of the DFG. It is important to ask what the rules are in your area during the application process for a DFG. Your personal circumstances should be taken into account. You are unlikely to be asked to repay the grant if you sell the property for health related reasons, but you should be aware of the possibility. Is there any way of fast tracking a grant application? Most areas have a lengthy waiting list for DFGs. Each local authority has some freedom in how they process the applications, so there may be a possibility of fast tracking for swiftly progressing conditions such as MND. It is worth asking the grant s officer in your area about fast tracking your application. There is no guarantee it will be agreed. Even where fast tracking is possible, you may still have to wait depending on the numbers of applications entering the system. Wales operates a Rapid Response Adaptations Programme for minor adaptations to assist people to return home after a stay in hospital. This works with a limited budget to enable works such as small ramps, levelling of pathways, rails and grab rails. The programme is handled by Care and Repair Cymru. See Useful organisations in section 5: How do I find out more? for contact details. Who will supply the items needed? If you are awarded a DFG, the equipment will be provided by your local authority s preferred suppliers. This will also be true of smaller items that do not have to go through the DFG process that are agreed by the OT. What are home improvement agencies? Home improvement agencies are also known as Care & Repair or Fold in Northern Ireland. If you receive a DFG, a home improvement agency may complete the work. They are not-for-profit organisations managed locally by housing associations, councils or charities. They can help you with adaptations, repairs and improvements to your home and guide you through the financial support, planning and construction process. 8

Most home improvement agencies can also provide a range of helpful services such as: household maintenance gardening decorating safety and security measures energy savings. To find your nearest home improvement agency, contact your local authority s housing department or Foundations the national body for home improvement agencies. See later heading Useful organisations in section 5: How do I find out more? for contact details. Who will maintain and repair the equipment? If you are awarded a DFG for large equipment such as a stair lift or hoist, you become the owner. This means you will be responsible for maintenance, repairs or removal once it is no longer needed. It may be worth asking suppliers for a longer warranty on any work or equipment. Extended warranties may cost more, but if something does go wrong, repairs can be very expensive. You can usually get a better deal if you arrange the extended warranty before any adaptations have been made. If you try to extend a warranty at a later stage, it is likely to cost more. Can I make a complaint? If you do not receive a decision within 6 months about your application for a DFG, or you are unhappy with the application process, write to your local authority. Alternatively you can contact your Local Government Ombudsman (for England and Northern Ireland) or the Public Services Ombudsman (for Wales), who investigate complaints about councils and other public bodies. See the later heading Useful organisations for contact details. 4: What other options do I have? If you are not eligible for a DFG, or it does not cover the full cost of the adaptations, your local authority may have schemes to help you to fund any outstanding costs. For example, they may be able offer a low cost loan or a form of equity release (see later heading) to enable adaptations to your property. If you choose to take out a loan, the repayments will take into account your income and expenses, and should be set at an affordable level. 9

Support can also be provided by the MND Connect Team. Contact them if you are worried that housing that meets your needs is going to be a problem for you in the future. See Further information in section 5: How do I find out more? at the end of this sheet for contact details. What if I pay for the adaptations myself? You may decide to fund the adaptations yourself. We still recommend you have an assessment of your needs by an OT before arranging any work or equipment. This assessment is extremely important to ensure that any adaptations will be suitable for your needs. In some instances it can be cheaper to pay for the entire adaptation yourself than to get a DFG and pay a contribution. This is due to local authorities being tied into contracts with certain suppliers, which can be expensive. However, your OT or local authority may be able to advise how to search for accredited suppliers. It is essential to use reputable companies to do any form of adaptation or installation. Alternatively, equipment is available from specialist providers or hire companies. You can hire some equipment through the Red Cross (see later heading Useful organisations for contact details). If you decide to fund the work yourself, a Home Improvement Agency can help you through the process. See heading What are home improvement agencies? in section 3 for more information. Could I move into alternative accommodation? Your local authority may offer you alternative accommodation if they feel this would be better suited to your needs than adapting your current property. If you own your property and it is unsuitable for the adaptations you need, you may need to consider selling it and buying a more suitable home. Another option is to put your name onto the local authority and housing association waiting lists as soon as you can. If you live in a local authority or housing association property, you will need to tell them about your situation and ask to make an application for more suitable accommodation. You will need to provide evidence of your needs when applying for an adapted property, such as a supporting letter from your OT. There is a shortage of suitable adapted properties in most areas of the UK both within the private rented sector and local authority housing. 10

What are equity release schemes? There are many schemes where you can release some of the value of your home to generate income or a cash lump sum. These may be arranged through a mortgage that is repayable on death (lifetime mortgage). Alternatively you can sell part or all of your property, but continue to live in it during your lifetime. This can be helpful to access funds quickly, but the amount you receive may be less than the property is worth on the open market. Whether you qualify and how much cash you receive will depend on your age and the property s value. This type of scheme may be available through your local authority or home improvement agency. You can also access similar schemes through mortgage brokers or other financial institutions. In all cases, we advise you to seek independent legal and financial advice before making any decisions. How can the MND Association help me? If you are having difficulty getting the equipment you need through your local social services, MND Connect may be able to help by contacting them on your behalf. See Further information at the end of this sheet for contact details. If statutory services still cannot help, the MND Association may be able to provide some financial help. Our MND Support Grant Policy for people living with MND is available on our website at the following address: www.mndassociation.org/financialsupport A request for a support grant from the MND Association must be made by a health and social care professional who has assessed your needs. Which benefits can help with housing costs? Housing benefit supports people on a low income to pay their rent. Housing benefit will become a part of Universal Credit, which is being introduced in stages in England and Wales, so may not yet apply in your area. It will launch in Northern Ireland when their Welfare Reform Bill becomes law. You may be eligible if you: receive certain means tested benefits work part time or full time on a low income. You cannot get housing benefit or universal credit to help pay your mortgage or home loan. If you are an owner occupier you may be able to get help with your mortgage interest payments, if you are receiving certain means tested benefits. 11

You may also be able to get a reduction on your Council Tax if you receive certain benefits or have a low income. You may also qualify under the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme, which is not means-tested (but only in England and Wales). You must be able to show that you have: installed an extra bathroom, kitchen or other room that you need due to your disability made adaptations to make the property more suitable if you are using a wheelchair. The property must be the main home of at least one disabled person. It doesn t have to be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax. For more information on benefits, see: Information sheet 10A Benefits and entitlements 5. How do I find out more? Useful organisations We do not necessarily endorse any of the following organisations, but have included them to help you begin your search for further information. The contact details are correct at the time of print, but may change between revisions. If you need help to find an organisation, contact our MND Connect helpline (see Further information at the end of this sheet for details). Adult social care services Adult social care services can be contacted through your local authority. You may also find the following online information from GOV.UK useful: Website: https://www.gov.uk/find-your-local-council For Northern Ireland, search for Health and Social Care Trusts at: Website: www.nidirect.gov.uk Care and Repair England A charity helping people with disabilities to stay in their own homes. Publishes In good repair which advises on building work. Address: The Renewal Trust Business Centre, 3 Hawksworth Street, Nottingham NG3 2EG Telephone: 0115 950 6500 Email: Catrionasaxton@careandrepair-england.org.uk Website: www.careandrepair-england.org.uk 12

Care and Repair Cymru (Wales) A charity helping the older people and people with disabilities to stay in their own homes. Address: 2 Ocean Way, Cardiff, CF24 5TG Telephone: 029 2067 4830 Email: enquiries@careandrepair.org.uk Website: www.careandrepair.org.uk Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Help you to resolve legal, money and other problems through free, independent and confidential advice. Contact your local bureau for support. Telephone: Website: 03444 111 444 (for England, or contact your local CAB branch) 03444 77 20 20 (for Wales) www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ (main site) www.adviceguide.org.uk/ (online help site from CAB) www.citizensadvice.co.uk/ (for Northern Ireland) DIAL UK (Scope) Provide guidance on all aspects of living with a disability, including welfare benefits. Address: Telephone: Email: Website: St Catherine s, Tickhill Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN4 8QN 0808 800 3333 (helpline) helpline@scope.org.uk www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/local-advice Disability Law Service Contact for assistance on disability law. Address: The Foundry, 17-19 Oval Way, Vauxhall, London SE11 5RR Telephone: 020 7791 9800 Email: advice@dls.org.uk Website: www.dls.org.uk/ Disabled Living Foundation A national charity providing advice and information on daily living aids. Address: Ground Floor, Landmark House, Hammersmith Bridge Road, London W6 9EJ Telephone: 0300 999 0004 Email: helpline@dlf.org.uk Website: www.dlf.org.uk Disability Rights UK A national organisation led by people with disabilities working to strengthen the voice of disabled people and promote their rights. Address: Ground Floor, CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Rd, London N1 6AH Telephone: 020 7250 8181 Email: enquiries@disabilityrightsuk.org Website: www.disabilityrightsuk.org 13

Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) They advise on accommodation, support and care for older people. Address: 3rd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP Telephone: 020 7820 1343 Email: enquiries@eac.org.uk Website: www.housingcare.org Fold (Northern Ireland) A charity, like Care and Repair, set up to help enable older people and people with disabilities to stay in their own homes. Address: 3-7 Redburn Square, Holywood BT18 9HZ Telephone: 028 90428314 Email: info@foldgroup.co.uk Website: www.foldgroup.co.uk/contact-us Foundations A national body for home improvement agencies. Address: Bleaklow House, Howard Town Mill, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8HT Telephone: 08458 645210 Email: foundations@cel.co.uk Website: www.foundations.uk.com Foundations Independent Living Trust (FILT) Charitable arm of Foundations Website: www.filt.org.uk/home/#u5hvw9rwz2q GOV.UK Online government information about benefits and support schemes. Email: Website: different contacts are given on the website for various subjects www.gov.uk (England and Wales) www.nidirect.gov.uk (Northern Ireland) Local Authority Welfare Rights Officers Can advise and assist in matters relating to social care and benefits. You may find the GOV.UK online contacts for local councils useful: Website: https://www.gov.uk/find-your-local-council Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) Investigates complaints about councils and other relevant public bodies (relevant to England and Northern Ireland for Wales, see Public Services Ombudsman). Address: PO Box 4771, Coventry CV4 0EH Telephone: 0300 061 0614 Email: through the website contact page and enquiry form Website: www.lgo.org.uk 14

MND Scotland Care, information and research funding for people affected by MND in Scotland. Address: 76 Firhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7BA Telephone: 0141 945 1077 Email: info@mndscotland.org.uk Website: www.mndscotland.org.uk NI Direct Providing government online information for Northern Ireland, with specific reference to benefits and government support schemes. Website: www.nidirect.gov.uk/index.htm Northern Ireland Housing Executive Northern Ireland s housing authority, offering a range of services to people living in socially rented, privately rented and owner occupied accommodation. Telephone: 03448 920 900 Website: www.nihe.gov.uk/index.htm Public Services Ombudsman for Wales Investigates complaints about councils and other relevant public bodies (for England and Northern Ireland, see Local Government Ombudsman). Address: 1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae, Pencoed CF35 5LJ Telephone: 0300 790 0203 Email: ask@ombudsman-wales.org.uk Website: http://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/ Red Cross A charity designed to help people in crisis, offering a range of disability aids. Address: UK Office, 44 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AL Telephone: 0844 871 11 11 Email: information@redcross.org.uk Website: www.redcross.org.uk Rica This is an independent consumer research charity, providing free consumer reports for older people and people with disabilities. Address: Unit G03, The Wenlock Business Centre, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU Telephone: 020 7427 2460 Email: mail@rica.org.uk Website: www.rica.org.uk 15

Shelter A charity working to relieve homelessness and bad housing, through advice, information and advocacy to people in housing need. Shelter (England) Address: 88 Old Street, London EC1V 9HU Telephone: 0808 800 4444 Email: info@shelter.org.uk Website: www.shelter.org.uk Shelter (Wales) Address: 25 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5NN Telephone: 0845 075 5005 Email: through website contact page Website: www.sheltercymru.org.uk Shelter (Northern Ireland) Address: 58 Howard Street Belfast BT1 6PJ Telephone: 028 9024 7752 Email: through website contact page Website: www.shelterni.org TrustMark They provide assistance in finding builders, plumbers, electricians, roofers and other firms who carry the TrustMark and comply with government-endorsed standards. Address: Venture House, 2 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1WA Telephone: 01344 666 104 Email: info@trustmark.org.uk Website: www.trustmark.org.uk Turn2Us A charitable service that helps people access available funding through benefits, grants and other types of financial support. Address: Unit 9, Cefn Coed Parc, Nantgarw, Cardiff CF15 7QQ Telephone: 0808 802 2000 (freephone) Email: info@turn2us.org.uk Website: www.turn2us.org.uk Acknowledgements With thanks to the following for their invaluable assistance with this information sheet: Heather Dungey, Senior Governance Officer, Care and Repair Cymru Sophie Fournel and the team at Centre for Independent Living, Kent Shaun Robinson, operational support team manager, Foundations Gary Vaux, Head of Money Advice Unit, Hertfordshire County Council 16

References References used to support this document are available on request from: Email: infofeedback@mndassociation.org Or write to: Information feedback, MND Association, PO Box 246, Northampton NN1 2PR Further information We have related information sheets you may find helpful: 10A Benefits and entitlements 10B Direct payments and personalisation 10D NHS Continuing Healthcare 10E Work and MND You can also refer to our main guides: Living with motor neurone disease our guide to MND and how to manage its impact, including guidance about your finances Caring and MND: support for you comprehensive information for family carers, who are supporting someone living with MND Caring and MND: quick guide the summary version of our information for carers You can download most of our publications from our website at: www.mndassociation. org/publications or order in print from the MND Connect team, who can provide additional information and support: MND Connect Telephone: 03457 626262 Email: mndconnect@mndassociation.org MND Association, PO Box 246, Northampton NN1 2PR MND Association website and online forum Website: www.mndassociation.org Online forum: http://forum.mndassociation.org/ or through the website 17

We welcome your views Your feedback is really important to us, as it helps improve our information for the benefit of people living with MND and those who care for them. If you would like to provide feedback on any of our information sheets, you can access an online form at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/infosheets_1-25 You can request a paper version of the form or provide direct feedback by email: infofeedback@mndassociation.org Or write to: Information feedback, MND Association, PO Box 246, Northampton NN1 2PR Last revised 04/15 Next review 04/18 Version: 2 18